Mr. Speaker, I have a question for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources. I think people are aware that the federal government has proposed an amendment to the Navigable Waters Protection Act. It’s really a measure that guts the environmental protection of recreational and traditionally used streams and rivers. I’m wondering if the Department of ENR has a position on that. I’m certainly aware that the Department of Transportation does. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Bromley. The honourable Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Miltenberger.
Mr. Speaker, I’m aware that this act is being updated; it is very old. There are some things that we believe are of benefit to us. I’ve heard the concerns raised on the radio and I’ve seen the press release by the Member of Parliament, but at this point I don’t have much more detail than that. I know the Minister of Transportation has been looking at this and has been dealing with that issue. Thank you.
Thank you for those rather startling comments from the Minister of ENR. I would assure the Minister that this is an issue worthy of his attention. I’m wondering if the Minister would commit to learning promptly about this issue and offering comment to the federal government in a way that protects the long-held protection of traditional and recreational use of small rivers, which also happen to be the most productive water bodies that we have, these small, especially small, shallow and ephemeral streams. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Yes, Mr. Speaker, I will ensure that by this time tomorrow that I am conversant on this issue and able to engage in a meaningful discourse with the Member. Thank you.
I very much appreciate that commitment on the part of this Minister. This is something that has been put through very speedily by the federal government, this particular federal government, in a low profile way that has prevented substantive input such as this. I’m wondering if the Minister would commit to making his department’s position on this clear for the public, as well, and my concerned constituents. Thank you.
Mr. Speaker, I will look at this. I’ll talk to my colleagues and we would be more than willing and ready to share the government’s position on what’s being proposed for the upgrades to the Navigable Waters Act. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Final supplementary, Mr. Bromley.
I was particularly asking about this department’s perspective. I’m sure the government will once again follow the developer’s perspective and get rid of any environmental protection such as is offered by this act for these small streams. I’d be very interested in the department’s perspective as well as this government’s perspective. Will the Minister commit to providing that? Thank you.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to suggest that on these issues where the territorial government deals with the federal government, that the positions we are trying to make sure are consistent and one and the same so that we don’t send out confusing messages as a government. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Oral questions. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.
